MMRC committed to follow additional measures for noise mitigation

 by Najuka G

Mumbai, May 2018: “MMRC is committed to follow additional noise mitigation measures for reducing the noise generated during Metro construction activities.” said Ms. Ashwini Bhide, MD, MMRC in a meeting held at Mantralaya yesterday that was proposed to discuss noise mitigation measures implemented by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). The meeting was conducted with Principal Secretary (Transport & Port), Government of Maharashtra, Shri Manoj Saunik and Founder of Awaaz Foundation, Ms. Sumaira Abdulali.

Ms. Ashwini Bhide, MD, MMRC, Mr. SK Gupta, Director (Projects), MMRC and Mr. R. Ramana, Executive Director, MMRC provided details of measures which are already being adopted at various sites to mitigate noise. They also mentioned about difficulties that are being encountered due to congested site conditions. In the meeting, MMRC informed about installation of noise barriers in Cuffe Parade and Vidhan Bhavan stations and the techniques of removing muck with the mechanical device that is specially designed to eliminate impulsive noise created by piling activity. MMRC has also expressed their eagerness to implement feasible noise mitigation measures taking into consideration the site constraints.

Ms. Ashwini Bhide, MD, MMRC said, “High noise generating piling activity is temporary and would be completed by December 2018 whereas excavation activities would reach to 10 to 12 m deep by December 2018 thereby significantly reducing noise levels due to metro activities.” She further added, “With completion of decking and piling at most of the sites, we believe the noise level should go down.” She also clarified that the baseline noise levels measured in the year 2016/17 are already above the permissible limits.

It was also discussed that various government departments are required to bring background levels down while at the same time measures should be taken to reduce noise during construction. The Metro 3 project being a prestigious Government project would appropriately indicate technologies and methods used to execute such noise reduction measures, as an example to be emulated by all future building projects, both in Government and private sector. It was also appreciated that noise during Metro construction is a temporary disturbance and once commissioned it would lead to reduction in noise pollution by taking substantial number of vehicles off the road.

Post a detailed discussion, Ms. Sumaira Abdulali stated that she certainly is not against the metro project. She is only concerned about appropriate measures adopted by MMRC to reduce the noise levels to best possible limits. Shri Manoj Saunik also emphasized MMRC to implement noise mitigation measures at all construction sites and educate contractors and workers about noise impacts.

MMRC has welcomed Ms. Sumaira Abdulali to the construction sites to get a first-hand understanding of construction work, process methodology and suggest practical measures if any.

MMRC requests all citizens to please cooperate as the project would benefit the people of Mumbai and reduce the noise levels besides benefit the environment in terms of reduction in air pollution.